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CLEMSON – Two years ago Dylan Thompson shocked many with a standout performance that led his University of South Carolina football team to a victory over Clemson University.

The victory, which came in Thompson's first big-time start as a college quarterback, could not be duplicated on Saturday.

The Boiling Springs native struggled to figure out an aggressive Clemson defense as the Gamecocks dropped a 35-17 decision to their Upstate rivals.

"We made it clear all week that we wanted to be in good down and distance," Thompson said. "That's how you beat teams with a great (defensive) line. They did a good job of keeping us out of good down and distance.

"That's how you stop offenses. That's what they did. We didn't make enough plays to win the game."

Thompson's final statistics were not horrible as he completed 21 of 39 passes for 249 yards and a touchdown. His day was a struggle from the start, however, as Clemson's Vic Beasley and Grady Jarrett forced him to keep his head on a swivel.

He was sacked four times, with one leading to a fumble in USC territory that eventually transformed into a Clemson touchdown.

The Gamecocks managed only 339 yards of total offense as the team continued a trend that began three weeks ago – a lack of productivity.

Thompson's fumble was one of the plays that appeared to start the Gamecocks in a downward spiral.

"We had a play called and I think an interior guy came," said Thompson. "I tried running away. I did have time (to throw the ball away), but I thought I was going to hit someone on the run and tripped on the way to the hit."

"That was a careless play on his part," USC coach Steve Spurrier said of the fumble. "He said he didn't feel the guy."

So disappointed in suffering his first loss to Clemson, Thompson appeared unimpressed with the fact he set the all-time USC record for most passing yards in a season, topping the mark set by USC play-by-play announcer Todd Ellis in 1987.

Thompson now has 3,206 passing yards this season.

"No," Thompson said when asked if he took any solace in setting the record. "Sometime way down the road (he might enjoy the record). But I've enjoyed my teammates. I love every single guy in that lockerroom. We've had a blast together."

While Thompson's college career is quickly coming to an end, the impact he has made on many of his teammates is apparent.

"It has been fun playing with Dylan on and off the field," said sophomore wide receiver Pharoh Cooper. "Dylan is a great guy, very Christian, a good quarterback, a good role model. All around, he is just a great guy. I wish the best for him."